In My Own Words: Original Soul

Who is in your band? Right now I am a solo artist. However, I have done collaborations with a host of emcees, singers, poets, and producers.

How do you get along? I try to make every artist that I work with feel like they are at home when they are in my studio. The easier you are to work with in the studio, the better the harmony is. I haven’t always been the perfect person to work with because I have had to realize that every artist will not function the same way I would behind the mic and the controls. But as I’ve grown into a level of maturity, and in 20 years of making music, I’ve tried to develop a system that works well for me and that I think would work well for any artist I work with.

Where did you get your name? My stage name came from The Original Soul Stirrers, as I had some family members that sang with their group in the 60’s…the Sam Cooke era. The music will come from the heart and from a positive mind, so the name Original Soul is one that I feel is befitting for the type of music I want to share with the world.

How would you describe your sound? I do thought-provoking music. Music with a message. There is enough club music and watered-down music out there, and the people are tired of hearing the same old thing. My music is a blend of conscious hip-hop and neo-soul. It’s hip-hop like it should be, like we grew up on, that uses our voice instead of what the industry thinks people should hear.

Why did you get into music? I got into music to make a difference. People are tired of hearing the same old thing on the radio. I’ve always been one to be an advocate for change. It has to start from within. The youth needs to know that there is a life outside of the glamour world.

Who is your favorite independent/underground artist besides yourself? I like the artists that are creative and can make you think, artists that have solid production to back their words. There are so many great artists in DFW, almost too many to name. Many of them I have worked with personally.

What and who inspire your lyrics? I am inspired by artists like Common, The Roots, Conya Doss, Kanye West, because they dare to be different. They speak from the heart and push the envelope of greatness. And then I’m sure they were inspired by artists like The Last Poets, Earth Wind And Fire, the O’Jays, Minnie Ripperton, The Isley brothers, because of their showmanship on stage, and the content of their music.

What are your live performances like? (Example: Laid back, energetic) Picture a coffee house. Dim lit room. Cozy. Packed. Enough room to move in a small circle behind the mic. I’m usually gonna start with no music and spit acapella. Then dive in with some new material, and end with the single I’m pushing at the time. Now, this depends on the venue and the time limit I’m given. It varies by venue. But the concept is generally the same.

Who is the craziest person in the group?Well, when I do invite guests to perform with me, they will usually do their own thing so I kinda know what to expect. Cats like Black Supaman, Pestalance, they bring a different element with their sound, so they will typically be way different than I would on stage, where I’m more laid back and focused on every word coming across and completely understood.

What is a typical studio session like? Usually we try to build on what our next moves are, the music scene as a whole, and vibe off each other’s energy before we even record anything. Or we check out new beats and write something on the spot. If we record something, I’m recording and mixing at the same time, to help speed up the process, plus I’m listening for flaws and additional ideas. And since my studio is in my home, I want you to feel at home when you come to record.

What do you love most about the music scene these days? The music scene is…changing. The thing about it is, the scene will make you grow up quickly because it is not easy to master.

What do you dislike? What I dislike is the fact that Dallas is such a bandwagon city. You should not have to go outside of your own city to get recognition, when you should have sufficient amounts of people in town already supporting you. There is a great lack of support here. No showmanship. No pride in the craft. People are lazy and expect someone else to do the footwork for them. There are also too many ‘cliques’ and people playing favoritism.

What is your songwriting process like? I write a song, with the video in mind. Or, I also imagine certain songs I like, and what they would sound like if I was on the next verse.

Do you do other things besides music? Well, I have plans to start an artist mentoring program, which would teach people how to do music from start to finish; from writing a song to how to conduct themselves in a studio, to how to get shows. I also do professional mastering.

What kind of artists do you want to work with? I’m willing to work with any artist, as whatever message they are pushing has a divine purpose.

What are your fans like? It’s hard to find fans because my music is so different from the Dallas sound. It makes it hard for promoters to put me on shows because they don’t know exactly where to put me on a bill filled with club music.

Who has the most twitter love? Twitter is a work in progress. But I have more Twitter followers than Facebook fans. Go figure.

Who eats the most? LOL, next question.

Who is the worst driver? I trust whoever drives my car. Otherwise I’ll take the wheel and keep it. LOL

When you become millionaires, what fun things will you do with your money? Well, all I know is, becoming a millionaire means investment and becoming debt free before any enjoyment is possible. After that, it’s making sure my family has what they need and want.

What are your favorite websites? I frequent sites such as Reverb Nation and Jango because of the connection that I make with the fans. They are both also very easy sites to upload music and ideal for networking.

Who are the special fans you want to thank? I have several lifelong fans as well as new lifelong fans that really take time to listen to the music and not just say ‘It’s good’. There are also a few fans that have every single album I put out. And of course the fans overseas.

What do you want to accomplish with your music? My message is simple. Speak from the heart, and speak the truth. Be you. If you spend so much time imitating others and what works for others then you forget who YOU are. The people will know the real from the fake. Quick money is not long money. And I didn’t get in the biz to be a one-hit wonder. So I really hope the fans can appreciate a heartfelt message more than anything, and appreciate good music.

Any extra footage or comments? I have three videos currently on YouTube, two of which are on my website.

Where can your fans get your music? Visit www.originalsoulonline.com. Click on ‘Online Store’. All the current music is on sale there, as well as web links to all other online stores, including iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Amazon, and many more.

Where can music executives contact you? I can be reached via email at soulmail@originalsoulonline.com. Or by phone at 214-236-7149.

Add press kit if desired.

Wanna reach me for your own "In My Own Words?" Check out me out at www.twitter.com/caramelsarajo or email me. 

Thanks,

Sara Jo

Interview with Memphis Music Producer Parker Strafer

Tuesday June 26, 2012 12:58 AM

Parker Strafer

Producer

What are the responsibilities of a producer?

I Specialize in beat-making & pre-production. I meet with an artist and develop a concept, learn their vocal range, and write lyrics around their concept so they have a plan instead of coming in with a nice beat and good sounding song and hoping it works.

What training did you have to become a producer?

I was in an R&B group for a while after high-school & we started making our own beats because we could not afford to pay the others who were good at making beats. We started working with MAGIX software and grew from there. About eighty percent of my training was self-taught.

What are some of the characteristics an artist should look for in a producer?

You should find a sound you like. You should be able to hear yourself on their tracks or sing their lyrics. If you don’t feel it you won’t deliver the proper performance with it. You also need a producer who is patient. You need someone who will take time to develop a track to your liking. You also need someone who likes your sound. If they don’t believe in your sound it is a waste of time to pursue them. If you have that everything else will fall into place.

What is your particular style?

I can make anything for anybody. I’ve made tracks for every style that is popular. Third place would be R&B tracks. Second place would be the Club tracks. I am my best when I do Hip-Hop.

Do you have any interesting things do you do with an artist to get them ready for recording?

I like to have a good five to ten minute session to joke and talk so we can build up a comfort zone with people.

How do you critique an artist during the recording session?

I have something to go on before we record so I can help keep them in the correct direction. I don’t stop every time they make a mistake.

What are other challenges of being a producer?

As a beat maker broke people have the biggest dreams. They want a great session, extra arrangements, and the special treatment and do not want to pay money. Also, everyone thinks they are amazing songwriters.

What are the rewards of being a producer?

When you hear your song and the person has a talent, the chemistry is right, the song is great. When other people can see that the song is great. You get more confidence, you make better music, you get a high that pours back into your music. The validation that comes from those that owe you nothing and your words are warranted, that is the best thing ever.

What happens after you finish recording the song?

Either I mix or I send it out to get mixed and mastered. I complete additional paperwork.

How do you know when you have a hit record?

I know I have a hit record when people cuss me out, as in “DAMN!!! That's that ish!!!”

How do you get paid?

It depends on who the person is. If the person is in town I get cash. If they are out of town I get Paypal. Few people do not pay up front. I get producer points. I own 50% publishing rights.

How would a new comer go about finding artists to work with?

The easiest way I know of for an up and coming producer to approach artists and offer to work with them 50/50. Choose artists you think are good and you can work together.

Can you relate an interesting story of working with someone?

Pretty much every single time I go to someone's studio or a performance, I get ignored, because producers strive to be in the BG & apparently, I'm so good at it, that I almost miss business opportunities because of it. So, an interesting story would be EVERY time I've met someone, then they find out I'm the guy who made the tracks or wrote the song & their mood changes.

Songwriter           

What style of music do you write?

I can do it all. My writing's not limited.

Do you write alone or collaborate with others?

Both.

What is your song writing process?

I have a concept in my head and I get to jamming. I start a beat and get the melody going with a few lines. Then I will export a loop of a melody. Then I make a beat around it.

How do you find artists to write for?

Mainly through word of mouth or I shop some music & it goes from there.

Does having an artist in mind before you write a song change your process?

This does not change it. Only if I’m making a song customized for an artist does things change. Other than that, if it feels right I do it.

What are the common topics found in your music?

Love and the situations that love brings about.

How do you get paid as a writer?

If it is a writing session where I write all the lyrics I get all the songwriting credit points.

What challenges do you face as a songwriter?

Having to break to people that  they can’t write songs. Everybody wants a song like someone else’s song. And I ask why? And when you force writer’s block on yourself.  The biggest challenge of all is demanding respect and money. They do not understand it is a skill, a gift from God, and that you should be paid what is due.

How does it feel to hear someone sing your songs?

Validation is great. It reassures you you are not wasting your time.

What do you do when the artist’s interpretation of the song does not match your vision?

You are not getting out the studio without the delivery matching my vision. My name is on it. Not going to crap all over my work. If it doesn’t match, shame on me.

What PRO are you with and why did you choose them over the others?

BMI, I would rather leave my royalties to those who are focused on getting royalties. Most of the people I associate are with BMI.

What is the hardest part of dealing with publishing?

When people ask for a percentage of money you don’t feel they’ve earned. Often you deal with people who don’t know much about publishing. Then you have to explain why you get paid for certain things and then you have to print things out to them.

A lot of the so-called “publishing companies” think money is supposed to show up magically. They don’t want to work for their percentage.

How do you shop your music around?

I used to be dumb enough that making the song and somebody would tell someone and then everyone would love my music. Now I talk to people who have connections in the industry. It can be word of mouth, just as long as it's the right mouth speaking the words.

What is your publishing name?

I use my real name.

Do you keep your lyrics in a special notebook?

No. My lyrics are just as scattered as the thoughts in my mind.

You can contact Parker at  @straferishere. 

 Have a great day,

@caramelsarajo

Many of my friends are musicians. Some have their own studios. In my quest to learn more about the music industry I decided to ask one of them for an interview. Here  Ryan “Yay” Slorence discusses what it is like to be an engineer. 

What do you do?

I mix music giving it radio quality sound.

How long have you been an engineer?

3 years.

Where did you learn your craft?

Pro Media in Nashville TN.

What made you want become an engineer?

To further my craft as an artist, learning all aspects of music.

Oh, you are an artist? What genre?

Hip hop, rap, whatever you wanna call it. I do pop also.

Here is a video from his group Prettidope called "Unthinkable Freestyle." This shows the type of music he masters. 

Do you enjoy working as an engineer?

No, it is stressing.

What is stressful about being an engineer?

Sometimes when I listen to people’s music it is not good. At all. I’m talking about the sound quality.


Listening to people telling you what to do none stop. We are talked to any kind of way and shitted on and treated like robots.

What tools do you use?

Protools, Waves plug-ins, Digi 008, and various other plug-ins.

What can artists do to make your job less stressful?

Artists should take more care when recording their vocals.

What are some of the obstacles you face as engineer?

It all starts in recording. If it starts off bad it is difficult to fix it.

Step one: Record it well.

How would you suggest that?

For home recording invest in a good microphone. Neumann 87 is an industry standard.  Listen to the engineers work before you decide to pay him or her money.

What are the red flags you are working with an incompetent engineer?

If he or she cannot get the sound quality up to your standards you are working with a bad engineer. Fire him!

How long should a mix take?

Depending on the mix, it takes about a day or two per song.

How do you test the mix?

Listen to the mix in different systems. Check it out in your car, which is one of the best ways to listen. Also, try home stereo, computer.

Can you relate an experience you had as an engineer?

My First Paid Project

I was paid to do a whole mixtape. I spent weeks doing it. The pay was good. I worked hard. I enjoyed the money.


What I learned from this interview is musicians are particular people. Our demand for perfection creates headaches along the way. But, the beauty that results is worth the effort. Just make sure you pay your engineer well. If you have a qualified professional let him or her do what he or she does best and trust you will get good results. They appreciate feedback but no one likes a micro-manager. 


If you would like to appear on this blog please, email me here.

Thanks,

Sara Jo

Interview Questions

Hello there,

This is a short and sweet post. Earlier I stated how I wanted to do interviews for my site.  Well, here are some questions that I would love to have my guests answer. If you think of any more please feel free to add them to the comment section.

Who is in your band?

How do you get along?

Where did you get your name?

How would you describe your sound?

Why did you get into music?

Who is your favorite independent/underground artist besides yourself?

What and who inspire your lyrics?

What are your live performances like? (Example: Laid back, energetic)

Who is the craziest person in the group?

What is a typical studio session like?

What do you love most about the music scene these days?

What do you dislike?

What is your songwriting process like?

Do you do other things besides music?

What kind of artists do you want to work with?

What are your fans like?

Who has the most twitter love?

Who eats the most?

Who is the worst driver?

Share a funny story.

When you become millionaires, what fun things will you do with your money?

What are your favorite websites?

Who are the special fans you want to thank?

What do you want to accomplish with your music?

Any extra footage or comments?

Where can your fans get your music?

Where can music executives contact you?

Add press kit if desired.

Much love,

SJ

Support Me and Let Me Support You

Are you interested in doing interviews for my site? Help me build up this entertainment community. Show the audience more than one side of you. We don't have to do the same questions everyone else asks. Let the people see your artistic side, your funny side, whatever side you think will grab their attention. If you are a solo artist or a band and would like to participate, please email me.


Also, if you need help with your band in other ways from production, mixing, songwriting, features (local area- I know a guy, several, and a gal too) please let me know. As you know, I got the distribution and marketing you need. We can handle simple posts on social media websites, to bigger like cable television campaigns. If you have a sponsor, say a car dealership, that is interested in creating a capaign, we can do that too. I am here to advocate for YOU, the artist.

If you haven't already, I suggest you check out my blog for more information about the industry and I will keep you posted.

Thank you.

Sara Jo